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Sumitomo Heavy Industries Ltd. (SHI) of Japan launched the 20-ton iM18E compact hybrid injection molding machine with a footprint of just 88 by 30 in. on Jan. 31, 2023. Designed especially for molding connectors, precision gears and other electronic parts, the iM18E has a maximum injection speed of 600 mm/sec. A company spokesperson told Plastics Technology that at this time the machine will only be sold in Japan and other Asian markets.

SHI says the iM18E occupies approximately 21% less space than the company’s equivalent model SE18DUZ. Floor space required for the iM18E is greatly reduced thanks to a redesigned injection unit and a machine frame that allows peripheral equipment to be housed under the machine.

The iM18E’s features a hydraulic direct-pressure clamp, with an electric plasticizing unit featuring a low-inertia servomotor. Controlled by the ISCII direct-drive system, SHI says the iM18E reduces shot-to-shot weight variation to about one-third of that of an equivalent hydraulic machine. The hybrid design reportedly reduces power consumption by 50% in comparison with the equivalent hydraulic machines.